Waves & the Both of Us (2008)

Her moniker may refer to a kids'-book character (Penelope Farmer's Charlotte Sometimes; the singer's real name is Jessica Charlotte Poland), but the themes explored on her first album Waves & the Both of Us are anything but childish. She fills her impressive debut with meditations on lost love (the pretty ballad ''Build the Moon''), self-discovery (catchy jazz-popper ''Losing Sleep''), and angst (impassioned rocker ''This Is Only for Now''). Evoking Fiona Apple at her best, Poland can become a bit broody, but for the most part you'll find yourself getting swept away by Waves. B+
DOWNLOAD THIS: Listen to ''Losing Sleep'' and the rest of the album on Amazon.com